EU Agriculture Committee backs Maria Walsh’s calls for more mental health funding 

An amendment from Mayo MEP Maria Walsh calling for increased funding for mental health support for farmers in the EU’s annual budget has been passed by the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

The amendment calls for mental health supports to be specifically integrated into EU agricultural policies through the provision of long-term funding.

The legal deadline for an agreement on the EU’s annual budget has been set at November 18 at midnight.

MEP Walsh said the amendment was ‘an important step towards ensuring that the mental health needs of our farmers are recognized and supported’.

“Our farmers play a crucial role in maintaining Europe’s food supply, and it’s essential that we provide them with the necessary resources to maintain their well-being,” said the Shrule native. 

“Working the land can be a lonely job. We need to see supports designed specifically to the needs of our farming community, to help members with the challenges they face as a result of isolation and loneliness. Most importantly, targeted funding is required to develop these supports and ensure that we tangibly improve the health and happiness of farmers.”